Songwriter's Showcase

I recently attended Valor High School’s Songwriter's Showcase. Wow! I was looking forward to the event, but I had no idea how I would impacted by the talent. 

These musical teens were guided through the songwriting process (including writing lyrics and musical arrangements). The best songs are written from the heart and pull at all strings. Teens are especially gifted at being emotional so when you express that emotion through music (and the guidance of gifted teachers) you end up with musical gold. At this showcase these teens bravely put their hearts on display. Every song was influenced by a personal struggle and the journey of finding his/her way through that struggle – from broken hearts to girl drama to injuries to teen suicide. 

At the conclusion of seeing all this talent I turned to my sister and said, “I need a glass of wine and a good cry.” She started laughing and agreed. However, the sadness of the songs was not abnormal. People find life’s greatest lessons in their struggles. It is through the struggle that we find the opportunity to define perseverance.

*Did you know “depression, anxiety and behavioral disorders are among the leading causes of illness and disability among adolescents”?

Who is showing teens it is okay to look around when in a struggle and learn from it? Who is showing people how to process life's hardships? Who is showing people how to turn a struggle into a strength?

For some the Christmas season brings great joy while for others it stirs immense sadness. Seasons constantly change and life's chapters don’t last forever. What can be gleaned while in the midst of some of your challenges?

In 2023 I will be working with teens and adults across the country helping them learn from their sorrows, laugh at adversity, and use hardships as a springboard to greatness.

I would be delighted to help you, your school, your business, or your club on your journey of defining perseverance.

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*Adolescent Mental Health - From The World Health Organization

Other important key facts from WHO

• Globally, one in seven 10-19-year-olds experiences a mental disorder, accounting for 13% of the global burden of disease in this age group.
• Depression, anxiety and behavioural disorders are among the leading causes of illness and disability among adolescents.
• Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15-29 year-olds.
• The consequences of failing to address adolescent mental health conditions extend to adulthood, impairing both physical and mental health and limiting opportunities to lead fulfilling lives as adults.